Reno-Tahoe Odyssey kicks off in downtown Reno

RENO, Nev. (MyNews4.com & KRNV) -- People from throughout Nevada and California have teamed up to embark on a 178-mile run.

Friday marked the start of the 10th Annual Reno-Tahoe Odyssey relay. Teams of up to 12 people start in downtown Reno, travel through the Sierra Nevada mountains, along the shores of Lake Tahoe, and finally circle back to Reno through the high desert of northern Nevada.

Runners say even though they are splitting up the mileage between teammates, it's no easy task. "The mental challenge, the physical challenge, staying up 24 plus hours, running 3 different times," said runner Ashlie Teixeira-Smith.

The start of the race is staggered, with slower-seeded teams starting Friday morning and faster ones taking off in the afternoon. The course reaches a maximum elevation of more than 7,300.